Fibroids develop inside or outside the uterus, on the muscle tissues of the uterus. The size of this tumor varies and there are four types of fibroid tumors. The fibroid tumor symptoms vary in all women. Fibroid tumors are not cancerous and they do not increase the risk of cancer at all. Fibroid tumors grow in clusters or they can grow as a single tumor. Fibroid tumors, also called uterine fibroids, are common in the women who are in their childbearing age. As in today, the exact cause of fibroid tumors is not known and any woman can suffer from uterine fibroid tumors. However, fibroid tumors are more commonly seen in women who are overweight and obese. The risk of fibroid tumor decreases to some extent, if the woman has given birth to a child. Let us discuss the symptoms of fibroid tumors according to their types.
Symptoms of Fibroid Tumors – Common Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of fibroid tumors vary according to the type of tumor. Many a times, fibroid tumors are not symptomatic. However, the common fibroid tumor symptoms are as follows;
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Constipation
Pelvic pressure
Bleeding or spotting in between two menstrual cycles
Prolonged periods
Frequent urination and difficulty in emptying the bladder
Severe backache
Symptoms of Fibroid Tumors – Types of Fibroid Tumors
The fibroid tumors are classified into four major types depending on the location of the growth of these fibroid tumors. The four types of fibroid tumors and the symptoms of these types are as follows;
Subserosal Fibroid
Usually, subserosal tumors develop on the outer walls of the uterus. This type of tumor continues to grow only in the outward direction. As this type of fibroid tumor grows in an outward direction, it pressurizes the nearby organs and this is the reason that this type of uterine tumor causes pelvic pain and pressure. This type of fibroid tumor does not affect the menstrual bleeding.
Intramural Fibroid
Intramural fibroids are the most common type of fibroid tumors that are seen in women. In this type of fibroid tumors, the tumor develops on the inner walls of the uterus. In this type, the tumor grow inside the uterus in an inward direction. This type of tumor expands when it grows. This tumor growth is often mistaken as pregnancy or weight gain. The symptoms of the intramural fibroid tumors are heavy menstrual bleeding. Many a times, clots of blood are passed in menses and severe pelvic pain is experienced. Enlarged fibroid tumor in the uterus causes pressure on the surrounding organs and is painful.
Submucosal Fibroids
Submucosal fibroids develop typically under the lining of the uterus and can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Prolonged menstrual cycle accompanied with excessive menstrual bleeding is the main symptom of submucosal fibroid tumors. Heavy menstrual bleeding in this case includes passing of clots and prolonged bleeding can cause fatigue and at times anemia. These are the symptoms observed in submucosal fibroid tumors. Untreated prolonged bleeding during menses due to fibroid tumors can take toll of your everyday lifestyle.
Pendunculated Fibroids
Pendunculated fibroids grow on the stalk. There are basically two types of pendunculated fibroids such as pendunculated submucosal uterine fibroids and pendunculated subserosal fibroids, which are dependent on the location of the fibroids. Pendunculated submucosal fibroids grow outside the womb. On the other hand, pendunculated subserosal fibroids grow inside the womb. Pendunculated fibroid tumor symptoms are severe pain and pressure in the pelvic area. Many a times, the stalk of the womb gets twisted.
These are some of the symptoms of fibroid tumors. It is advisable that if you find it difficult to perform day to day activities, then you must consult a gynecologist. Fibroid tumor symptoms are not always observed, so a routine check-up from the gynecologist is recommended.
